By Ben Rosario Supporters of the so-called “anti-epal” bill want swift action on the proposed measure, which has gained strong backing when first brought up before Congress. Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Photo from Ace Barbers website / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers re-filed the bill, hoping that it will be finally approved during the 18th Congress as the call for its approval has become stronger. Various government workers organizations are supporting the measure, according to Barbers. House Bill No. 71 or the anti-epal bill has been referred to the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation chaired by Iligan City Rep. Frederick W. Siao. Siao represents Lanao del Norte’s capital city whose officials have been among the outspoken supporters of the proposal that would make it illegal for government officials to advertise their names and photographs in signages for government projects services and vehicles. It will recalled that Iligan local officials have demanded the removal of their names in existing signages of government projects even as they expressed strong support for the passage of an “anti-epal” ordinance in 2017. Councilor Petronilo Pardillo, one of the proponents of the 2017 ordinance, had also backed Senate Bill 54 or the Anti-Signage of Public Works Bill that was proposed a few years go by the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. In 2017, Senator Manny Pacquiao filed his own version of the measure and provided for a penalty of P1 million against violators. Barbers adopted Pacquiao’s proposal to impose a maximum P1 million fine against “epal” politicians. In filing HB 71, Barbers described as “unethical” the practice of politicians of posting their names and photos in public works projects, government owned vehicles and other activities that are being financed through state funds. “The Anti-Epal Act of 2019 seeks to address this issue by prohibiting and penalizing government officials who habitually post their names and faces on government projects funded with taxpayers’ money,” Barbers explained. “Civil servants should give their total dedicated service to the people, and the services they give should not serve their own personal interest,” the Mindanaoan solon stressed. Under HB 71, prohibited acts would include affixing or causing to be affixed the name, initials, logo or image of any public official to a signage announcing a proposed, on-going, or completed public works projects. The bill also bans the act of affixing or causing to be affixed the name, initials, logo or image of any public official to a signage – crediting an individual officer or bearing his or her image or any and all kinds of public service projects or motor vehicles. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), will be tasked to remove illegal signages. Aside from the imposition of a fine ranging from P100,000 to P1 million, violators will face a maximum imprisonment of six months and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.